Why read this guide? - PestSmart Connect...3 Spotlight on foxes How to use this guide The where,...

1Spotlight on foxes

Why read this guide?What is fox damage? Is fox control for you? Is fox control necessary? Are there other

options? If you want help to work through these issues, this guide is for you.

This guide will help you decide if and when you need to control foxes; how to do it to

best suit your enterprise and how to determine if your actions work.

KEY TERMS• Predator: an animal that eats other animals – in this case the fox

• Prey/prey species: the things foxes like to eat, includes lambs and wildlife

• Home range: the area that a fox lives and hunts in

• Fox control: reducing fox damage or numbers e.g. by baiting, shooting etc.

• Recolonisation: animals moving back into a controlled area

• Fox damage: the impact of foxes on prey species

• Fox density: the number of foxes in an area

• Fox bait: bait treated with 1080 poison

• Non-target: other animals affected by the control strategy

• Bait aversion: foxes not attracted to baits after becoming sick from eating

a bait with less than a lethal dose of 1080

• Lamb marking %: number of lambs surviving at marking as a percentage

of number of ewes joined

There are many reasons to control foxes i.e. to improve lamb production or protect

native wildlife. You might just want to help your neighbour out even though you don’t

suffer any fox damage. Or you might be concerned about foxes spreading mange to

your dogs or killing the backyard ‘chooks’. Whatever the reason, this guide will help

you develop and implement an appropriate control program.

2Spotlight on foxes

Tried fox control before?Many have tried to control foxes and failed. Which of the following best describes you?

A C T I O N R E S U L T

Do nothing Fox damage on wildlife and lambs

(Hope for no/low damage unchecked

or do not have a fox problem) Fox numbers build up seasonally

Act when damage starts Kill a few foxes but many remain

(Crisis management - may be Foxes already targeting prey species

too late) Reduced control options (may not take

baits)

Damage continues until control succeeds

Often fails, end up at "do nothing"

Act "half-heartedly" Kill a few foxes but many remain

(Shoot a few; put a few baits High recolonisation rate

out, but never check them - not Little change to the level of fox damage

really sure if they work) Seems like a failure, end up at "do nothing"

These actions fail to understand the nature of the pest and the nature of the problem.

Integrated fox management Long term impact on foxes and fox damage

- planned approach Cost-effective, best use of resources

- clear aims Take advantage of fox biology "weak links"

- realistic levels of management Maximise returns from prey species

- appropriate methods employed Doesn’t rely on one technique

- monitor and evaluate Keep on top of the problem

No prizes for guessing which one works!

If you are a "do nothing" type, or end up at "do nothing" because other actions fail, this

guide is for you. It is designed to introduce the concepts of integrated fox

management so you can break out of the "do nothing" cycle.

3Spotlight on foxes

How to use this guideThe where, when and how of fox control will be covered. Baiting is the most effective

form of fox control but it’s not the only option. In fact, the solution may not involve any

fox control. For some enterprises reducing fox damage may be as simple as changing

some stock management practices or just controlling rabbits. So whilst the guide will

cover "best practice" fox control, some of the alternative management options will also

be outlined. YOU decide the best options for you. The guide is divided into 4 main

sections.

If you are unsure whether foxes are a problem

If you think foxes are a problembut are unsure on the best approach to take

If you are ready to undertake a fox control programand want tips on the best way to go about it

If you think you have finished your fox control program

The guide provides a brief overview of how to include a fox manag

your normal property management.

F o x F a c t sThroughout the guide you will be directed to more detailed informa

read’ FoxFact information sheets (look for this symbol ). The info

located in the back of the guide. Most will direct you to further sou

information, including websites and factsheets.

Seek local adviceStill not sure? Get a local opinion. Your local, regional and state pe

agriculture and conservation agencies are the experts on fox contro

to them about the issues on your property.

KEY MESSAGESConcentrate on fox damage, not fox numbe

Fox control should be considered an integral pnormal property management.

Go to Step 1.

Go to Step 2.

Go to Step 3.

Go to Step 4.

ement strategy with

tion in the ‘easy to

rmation sheets are

rces of technical

st control,

l in your area. Talk

rs.

art of

STEP 1. DO YOU HAVE A FOXPROBLEM?Why are foxes pests?Foxes are highly mobile, secretive animals with a

high reproductive potential. They have a wide and

varied diet and are able to exploit nearly all habitat

and food types. Rabbits (as food) and a lack of

other predators or competitors have contributed to

their success in Australia.

For information on fox biology and behaviour

FoxFact 1 – Introducing the red fox

They impact on:

• The environment through competition with

and predation on wildlife and they spread weed

seeds

FoxFact 2 – The fox toll

• Agricultur e through predation on lambs, goat kids etc. and damage to farm

infrastructure (chew through irrigation lines, collapsed dens can damage tractors

etc.)

FoxFact 3 – Are foxes eating your lambs?

• Society – can spread diseases to companion animals, kill domestic poultry or steal

eggs and often have "nuisance" value (e.g. steal shoes from the porch). Foxes have

potential to spread exotic diseases e.g. rabies.

Foxes are a pest because they kil l wildlife and farm animals.

4Spotlight on foxes

5Spotlight on foxes

Are foxes causing you a problem?Sometimes it is hard to tell.

Obvious: In lambs (live or dead), bleeding

wounds around the neck, mouth and genitals are

fairly obvious (although other causes of death

need to be ruled out). However, it’s generally not

that simple.

Not obvious: Foxes may remove lamb

carcasses from the paddock entirely, leaving no

evidence. Where carcasses remain, were foxes

the actual cause of death, or did they only

scavenge the carcass?


The impact of foxes preying on the eggs and juveniles of long-lived wildlife species

(e.g. Murray River tortoises, malleefowl) may not be recognised for many decades.

By that time, it may be too late. The remaining adult animals may have passed their

breeding prime.

What affects the level of fox damage?Property factors such as availability of fox harbour and sheep husbandry and

management practices can affect the level of fox damage. Numbers and distribution of

rabbits, availability of other food (e.g. fruit, insects, mice), fox population factors

(density, age structure, home range and mobility) will also affect damage levels.

FoxFact 4 – Factors affecting fox damage

Fox damage is variable, diff icult to identify and difficult to measure.

Fox numbers are not a good measure of damageFox numbers are hard to measure and even harder to interpret.

Spotlight counts only pick up a small proportion of the fox population, particularly

young, naive animals. Breeding den counts can be used in early summer; assuming

the size of family groups and social organisation is known i.e. how many adults, how

many cubs. Other methods, e.g. track counts, tend to indicate fox activity rather than

fox numbers.

FoxFact 5 – Estimating fox density

6Spotlight on foxes

What do fox numbers mean? Do more foxes mean more damage?

• Fox presence, even in high numbers, doesn’t always translate into agricultural

damage, e.g. local rabbit populations may be high enough to support the fox

population. However, a few foxes in a population may develop a liking for lambs

and those few animals may be responsible for the majority of lamb damage.

• Fox presence (even in low numbers) can mean significant wildlife damage. One

fox can wipe out an entire local population of a susceptible species.

Fox numbers are diff icult to measure and difficult to interpret.

So where does that leave you?Whilst damage is difficult to measure, it is a better

indicator of the fox problem than the number of

foxes. Although recording injured and dead animals

from fox predation is useful, it is better to monitor

the outcomes instead. Keep records of lamb

marking percentages, number of active malleefowl

mounds or sightings of rock wallabies. Use this

information to help decide the size of the problem.

It will also help you measure the success of any

actions you may decide to take to combat the fox

problem.

It isn’t always foxesMany factors can influence lamb marking percentages and wildlife reproduction other

than foxes. Predation may only be part of the problem. Poor lamb marking

percentages may be caused by poor sheep management practices and wildlife

numbers may be restricted by habitat availability, food etc.

Foxes are often blamed for damage they didn’t cause. Evidence of scavenging and

predation by foxes - where carcases remain - is conspicuous and may be

overestimated. Death from natural or environmental causes is often inconspicuous

and underestimated. Lack of scavenging activity on carcases may be an indicator of

a small fox problem.

Scavenging of carcases by foxes should not be confused with predation.


lamb marking?

7Spotlight on foxes

Property planning for fox managementFox issues are complicated and can’t be considered in isolation from other property

management activities. A plan helps put the issues in perspective with respect to

everyday farm management practices.

Define the fox problem by identifying

fox damage, establish that foxes are

the cause of the damage (not other

property management factors such as

sheep husbandry) and monitor

outcomes such as malleefowl breeding.

Where to next?Foxes have significant environmental

and economic impacts and also have

social impacts. Dealing with these

impacts relies on:

• Having clear, measurable objectives

for undertaking fox control or

reducing fox damage

• Understanding the farming or ecological system you are working in

• Taking advantage of known fox biology and behaviour to maximise control efforts

So you need a plan.

8Spotlight on foxes

STEP 2. NOW YOU NEED A PLANSo you have decided that foxes are causing you a problem and you want to knowwhat to do next. Don’t immediately rush out and buy some baits or bullets.

You have many options available to you and not all of them involve fox control! Youcan choose the option that best suits you and your enterprise.

Whichever option you choose, you will need a plan that considers the fox (biology,damage) and the complex and variable system you work in (enterprise and land type,climate, other pests, market forces etc.). So fox management requires planning at thelocal/regional level, as well as the property level.

Poor planning leads to failure.

What do you want to achieve?The aim of a fox management plan should be to reduce fox damage. This is bestmeasured by the response in the prey species (e.g. more lambs, rock wallabies), notin dead foxes or baits taken. Structure the aim in terms of reduced damage within agiven time period e.g. improve lamb marking by 20% after 2 years.

By setting an aim, you can measure the success of the program you choose.

Outfox the fox with a planTo achieve your aim, you could implement one or more of thefollowing management strategies:

• Sustained fox control: implement ongoing fox control on aregular basis to keep fox numbers and damage low

• Targeted fox control: control foxes at particular time of year to reduce fox damage atcritical time for prey species e.g. at lambing

• Avoid fox impact: remove the prey species from foxes e.g. change enterprise(wethers, cattle), shepherd or shed lambs

• Reduce fox impact: manage prey species to reduce fox impact e.g. coordinatelambing within the district, concentrate lamb drop over shorter period, use guardanimals

• Compensate for fox impact: produce more prey species to compensate for fox

damage e.g. change to sheep breeds with better mothering instincts; improve ewe

nutrition at joining

FoxFact 6: A fox plan – setting directions

9Spotlight on foxes

Eradication versus management

Eradication is rarely achievable, except at the local level. Instead, usemanagement strategies and control techniques to reduce fox damage to

a level acceptable to you.

Time for some decisionsWith your aim in mind – decide which management strategy (or strategies) mightmeet your desired outcomes and suits you and your enterprise.

For wildlife conservation, some of these strategies are not feasible (e.g. less able toapply animal husbandry practices to rock-wallabies); and given that foxes, even inlow densities, can impact on some species, strategic and targeted control may bethe only options (although "avoidance" by predator-proof fencing has beensuccessful, but expensive).

For agricultural protection, all of the strategies are probably technically feasible, butare they all economically, environmentally and socially feasible?

Non-fox control strategies

• Do you want to run cattle instead of sheep? Is the country suitable for cattle? Is there money in cattle?

• Will you lose your niche prime lamb market if you change your time of lambing?

• How long will it take to see results from flock genetic improvement to more fertilebreeds?

• Will more twin lambs increase damage?

FoxFact 7: Other methods to reduce fox damage

Fox control strategies

• Will targeted control work? e.g. will foxes takebaits when lambs are dropping?

• How much will a fox control program cost torun?

• Are there native animals at risk from poisoningprograms?

• Can I manage my working dogs so they are notat risk from baits?

• Will fox control programs fit with my farm program?

• Will my control succeed if my neighbour does nothing?

10Spotlight on foxes

You may choose to combine strategies that best suit your enterprise e.g. run cattle or

wethers close to scrub blocks and control foxes around the house block where lambs

are dropped. You might want to seek independent advice before implementing non-fox

control strategies.

FoxFact 6: A fox plan – setting directions

FoxFact 8: Risk and integrating your options

Deciding on what you want to do is the most complicated stage in fox control.

If you’ve decided on fox controlThink about:

• Fox biology and behaviour, particularly mobility, density, home range and

immigration (re-colonisation); also distribution and availability of harbour

FoxFact 4: Factors affecting fox damage

• Alternative food available to foxes e.g. rabbits, mice, olives

• Potential for non-target damage e.g. farm dogs, wildlife

• Timing

• Enterprise or species to be protected

• Cost and effectiveness

• Amount/value of damage being caused and where damage is occurring

• Your resources (financial and human) and expertise

• Neighbours’ activities (enterprises, level of fox and rabbit control and their

preparedness to be involved)


What control tools are available?All of the following have a role in fox control. In fact, using as many of these tools

together as possible gives the best chance of success.

Your control action needs to be efficient enough to meet your aims without being more

expensive than the damage being caused.

1080 baits

• Can be applied over large areas quickly and easily

• Are in the paddock all day and night

• Are attractive to foxes i.e. foxes find the baits, you don’t have

to find the foxes

• Are legal, relatively cheap and the process is not labour

intensive

• Have low non-target risks (except to dogs)

• Are lethal to foxes and considered relatively humane

Den destruction or fumigation (carbon monoxide e.g.Den-co-fume®)

• Particularly effective against fox cubs and vixen in spring, and may kill more than

one fox at a time

• Has low non-target risks

• Dens are difficult to locate and more than one den may be used during the breeding

season

• Use of other fumigants is not legal or humane

Shooting (at night by spotlight)

• Only works while you are in the field and is labour intensive

• Accounts for a very small percentage of the population

• After a few nights, foxes become wary so the number shot usually drops

• Tends to remove only young, naive foxes

Hunting (e.g. fox drives)

• Useful as a mopping up tool after baiting

• Fox drives can be useful for clearing foxes from prime fox habitat e.g. scrub blocks


Farm management

FoxFact 7: Other methods to reduce fox damage

For example, rabbit control

• This can remove a key fox

food item, with the long-term

result of reducing fox

numbers

• It can result in short-term

damage on prey species

unless a successful fox

baiting strategy employed at

the same time

T r a p p i n g

• Steel jaw traps are illegal,

but soft-leghold and cage

traps are OK

• Foxes are difficult to trap and the technique is extremely labour intensive

• Traps must be checked regularly to reduce animal suffering

Fencing (electric or netting with overhang)

• Effective, but expensive ($10-20,000/km), with high maintenance costs

• Provides a barrier but not complete protection

Whole property or strategic areas?This will depend on your management strategy. For targeted management, you may

only bait certain parts of the property e.g. only bait lambing paddocks or only

malleefowl mounds on the premise that foxes will eat the baits and not the prey

species. This could be risky.

Given fox mobility and knowledge of home ranges, a better option for targeted or

strategic management would be to bait the whole property so, where possible, foxes

encounter baits well before they encounter the prey species.


Cost of fox baitingThe cost of a fox baiting program depends on:

• Property size and bait placement strategy (e.g. how many baits/ha, whole property

or strategic areas)

• Bait type and cost and labour involved in laying baits

• How baits are laid (e.g. vehicle costs, establishing bait stations) and how often they

are checked

• The rate of bait take i.e. number of baits replaced

• How long program goes for

• How many times per year baits are laid

These factors will vary between states, regions and properties.

FoxFact 9: Costing your fox control program – a simple example

You could also use the same calculations to determine the cost of a fumigation or

shooting program.

Where economic benefits and control costs collideFox control should be applied when the benefits of control outweigh the costs of the

control. As fox baiting is a relatively cheap exercise, even small increases in

agricultural production will offset the cost.

FoxFact 9: Costing your fox control program – a simple example

For wildlife conservation, the level of control required is often higher than for

agricultural protection so costs may be higher. The benefits from control are more

difficult to calculate and may only be realised over a long timeframe, perhaps

decades.

I t is harder to estimate the economic cost benefit ratio for wildlife protection.


What are the risks?No poison is risk-free, however

strategies to reduce and limit the risk

have been developed (see Step 3:

Fox control in action).

These strategies only work if land

managers follow the instructions that

come with poisoned baits.

Most non-target damage (kil l inganimals other than foxes)

occurs because users ignore the instructions.

FoxFact 10: Why 1080?


STEP 3. FOX CONTROL IN ACTIONNow do you go out and buy some baits? Not yet! Make a few calls first.

Give the neighbours a callThe effectiveness of baiting is greatly improved by involving neighbours. Group baiting

offers many advantages.

With a broader area treated with baits:

• fox mobility and home range are better

targeted

• the period of protection is longer (takes

longer for foxes to move in)

• individual group members will use fewer

baits

• the time spent baiting will be shorter as

more foxes are removed at the same

time

• Better protection of domestic dogs (baits

are out for a shorter and coordinated

time over the whole district)

How many have to be involved?Not everyone in a district needs to bait for benefits to be realised by all. Research has

shown that non-baiters can reap the benefits of the neighbours’ fox control programs.

The gap in the knowledge is how many or how few neighbours need to participate for

the benefits to be realised. This will probably vary from district to district, depending

on property size, fox density, distribution, home range, availability of resources etc.

Fewer participants means more work for those baiting.

In the absence of f irm knowledge, try and recruit as many neighbours as possible.

It’s easier to hold back the‘tide’ of foxes when working

with your neighbours.


Best times for baiting?

Autumn or late summer Spring or late winter

Fox Home ranges have broken down, Breeding pairs have cubs in the den,

activity young adult foxes dispersing, territorial behaviour to protect home

alternative food sources low. ranges.

For Fox numbers are at their peak, Slow recolonisation rates as

they are mobile, likely to come territories are enforced, foxes

across baits and as they are seeking extra food to feed cubs.

hungry, they are likely to eat baits. Can achieve significant reduction

Can achieve significant reduction in breeding potential (fewer

in fox density (fewer animals to animals next autumn).

breed in spring).

Against Recolonisation rates high due to Alternate food resources are high,

dispersal and lack of territorial so may not eat baits, territorial

behaviour, rapid recolonisation if behaviour may prevent foxes

few neighbours baiting. accessing baits.

Baiting at the time damage is most likely to occur is another option e.g. immediately

prior to lambing. Autumn and spring baiting targets fox biology and protects the key

lambing times for many sheep enterprises.

For wildlife protection, timing will depend on the species at risk. Autumn and spring

baiting will be essential to manage the fox, but other times in the prey species’ biology

will be important too e.g. egg laying and hatching.


Getting baits1080 poison bait use is strictly controlled in Australia. Fox baits can only be purchased

or injected through your local pest control authority. You should contact either the

state agency (e.g. departments of agriculture or primary industries, natural resources,

etc.) or local officers (e.g. from Animal and Plant Control or Rural Lands Protection

Boards, local government). The conditions for use vary slightly in each state and it is

recommended you confirm your local requirements and instructions for use.

The use of 1080 poison baits carries a number of responsibilities which will be

explained to you when you purchase or collect your baits. You may need to sign an

agreement that you accept these responsibilities or undergo an assessment before

receiving baits.

What bait type?Bait types vary across regions and states. They all contain a precise but low dose of

1080. Each bait type has advantages and disadvantages. Studies on best bait type

are inconclusive but all will kill foxes. Costs of baits and baiting services vary across

regions and states. Not all bait types will be available from all agencies. The most

common types of fox baits are:

Comments

Fox-Off® Easy to handle, shelf stable and break

Commercially manufactured baits down (in the ground) reasonably

quickly. Soft bait texture may increase

the risk to some native carnivores in

certain areas.

Fresh meat baits (including eggs) Require refrigeration. In the ground,

Pre-prepared or your meat injected. some meat types (e.g. pilchards) are

prone to ant "attack" and may quickly

become unpalatable or undesirable to

foxes. Mutton, fish, beef, kangaroo,

chicken and liver are commonly used.

Dehydrated meat Have a long field-life, and may remain

(including commercial baits in WA) toxic for many months in dry soils.

Commonly these are mutton, beef and

kangaroo meats.


How to choose the bait typeAgencies issuing 1080 baits select the bait type that is the most effective, efficient

and appropriate for your region. So the bait types available to you will vary depending

on your circumstances and location. Where you have options of bait types, one may

be more appropriate than another depending on fox behaviour and environmental

conditions e.g. bait types that are acceptable in autumn may be ignored in winter

when other foods are plentiful. By varying bait types you potentially expose more

foxes to the baiting program.

Storing baitsIf you have baits left over from previous baiting programs, you may have broken your

agreement for use and created an unnecessary risk! Most agencies don’t permit the

storing of baits because:

• it increases the risk of non-target deaths (especially pets)

• baits start to lose their "strength" after time (in storage and in the field) i.e. old baits

may deliver a reduced dose of 1080 to foxes - enough to make them sick but not

kill them - making them avoid baits in future baiting programs (bait aversion)

In most cases it is illegal and unsafe to store 1080 fox baits.

Back to your neighboursMost states make it a legal requirement to

contact neighbours before laying fox baits.

The timing and nature of the contact varies

from state to state. This requirement

allows neighbours to take appropriate

action to protect their dogs and provides

you with another opportunity to get the

neighbours involved.

S i g n sAll states and territories require warning signs to be erected where baits are laid. The

signs warn that baits have been laid on your property. Your local authority will explain

to you the type, location and length of time to display signs.


Any special equipment required?For safe transport and use of baits, you should have a waterproof, sealable (i.e. dog

proof), appropriately labelled, purpose-specific container. For safe handling of baits,

use gloves or tongs.

Depending on state requirements you may need a shovel (to bury baits) and some

way of marking the location of the bait (bait station) or tying down the bait.

R e s t rain your dog sReduce the risk of accidentally poisoning your dogs - lock or

chain them up. Don’t take them baiting with you - including

going to pick up the baits from the local officer. If they must be

off the chain, muzzle them. Follow baiting instructions carefully.

Other animals at risk?1080 can generally be used with low risk to most native species. Where there is a

potential risk to native or other animals, it is recommended that you do some research

before laying baits. A simple method is to place an unpoisoned bait at a marked site

and smooth some soil or sand over the "bait" and around the site. You can then

monitor the footprints of animals visiting the site, and make an assessment of the risk

to non-target animals. For more information, contact your local pest control authority

or conservation agency.

The risk to other species will vary based on their tolerance to 1080 and their attraction

to and ability to eat the bait type.

Laying baits – the philosophyThe aim is to lay enough baits to target the fox without compromising the safety of

non-target species such as domestic dogs. It is critical that you know exactly where

the baits are when they are in the field. Many restrictions are applied to the use of

1080 fox baits to reduce the risk of baits being moved i.e. you lose control of them.

If you know where the baits are, you can minimise the risk to non-target species.

Ideally, fox baiting programs should aim to get one fox with one fox bait. If foxes get

more than one bait (multiple bait take), resources are being used inefficiently. If foxes

come across more than one bait, the risk of baits being cached (moved and stored

elsewhere for "a rainy day") or regurgitated (the vomit may be toxic) increases. With

caching, you lose control of baits. Degradation of cached baits may deliver a sub-

lethal dose of 1080 to a fox retrieving the cache, which may result in bait aversion.

FoxFact 11: The fate of misplaced baits


How to run a baiting programYour local pest control authority can give you practical tips on how to run a baiting

program on your property. This will include your legal requirements as well as best

practice recommendations. Some general concepts (and why they are

required/recommended) appear below. Check with your state agency to see which

ones apply to you.

FoxFact 12: Running a baiting program – some tips

FoxFact 13: Common questions about baiting programs

• Lay bait only on your property, and away from habitation, water supplies etc.

• Bury or tether baits to reduce risk of birds moving baits (this will not interfere with

foxes finding baits) – PROTECTS DOGS, ADDRESSES FOX BIOLOGY

• Mark your bait stations so you can keep track of bait take and

pick up baits at the end of the program – PROTECTS DOGS,

ALLOWS MONITORING

• Think like a fox when placing baits e.g. foxes use fencelines,

roads and tracks, animal pads, railway and power lines and

visit animal carcases, waters, woodpiles, rabbit warrens etc. –

ADDRESSES FOX BIOLOGY

• Place 4-6 baits per 100ha (or at least 500m apart) to reduce

the risk of multiple bait uptake and caching – PROTECTS

DOGS, ADDRESSES FOX BIOLOGY

Studies have shown that 4-6 baits/100ha will target 90-95% of

foxes.

• Check baits regularly (every 3-5 days) – ALLOWS MONITORING

• Replace taken baits to ensure you pick up all foxes in the area – ADDRESSES FOX

BIOLOGY

• Run program until bait take drops off markedly. A drop in bait take suggests local

foxes have been poisoned and few new foxes have moved into the area –

ADDRESSES FOX BIOLOGY

• Pick up any poisoned carcases you find and dispose of safely (burn or deep burial) –

PROTECTS DOGS

• Pick up uneaten baits at the end of the program, and along with unused baits and

packaging, destroy them in the appropriate manner. Do the same if baits are rained

on – PROTECTS DOGS

‘mark baitstations’


Another reason to pick up baits at the end of the program or after rain

Baits start to lose their strength when in contact with any moisture e.g. soil

moisture, dew, rainfall. If left out in the ground, they may no longer be strong

enough to kill foxes, but can still make them sick, leading to bait aversion.

Any baits rained on or still in the ground after 2 weeks should be removed

or replaced. If a bait is old or looks "dodgy", don’t use it.

Dispose of these baits safely (burning or deep burial).

Safe to let the dogs off?Even though you followed the baiting

"best practice" described above there is

still a chance that a fox (or foxes) may

have moved/cached baits. These will

remain in the paddock, and may pose a

threat to dogs. The length of time the

baits remain toxic in the paddock will depend on bait type, soil moisture and rainfall

(or level of protection from). 1080 is a natural compound that will break down quite

rapidly in moist conditions, but could remain potentially toxic for many months in dry

conditions (e.g. dehydrated baits in arid conditions). If in doubt, keep dogs restrained

or muzzled.

FoxFact 11: The fate of misplaced baits

Integrated fox controlNo single tool or single application will control

foxes. If it could, foxes wouldn’t be a pest in

Australia! Using a number of different tools and

repeating the applications are the best ways to get

on top of the fox problem. Bait, destroy dens,

shoot, control rabbits, manage sheep etc to deny

foxes food and habitat.

Not all foxes will take baits. Changing bait material, bait placement or timing of

control may increase success. However, some foxes may remain after baiting

and these need to be controlled using other techniques.


STEP 4. HOW DID THE PROGRAM GO?Although fox control is relatively cheap, it does involve your money and labour. So it’s

important to check that you gained some benefit from the program.

What did you set out to achieve?Did you attain your lamb marking gains? Has fox damage been reduced? Go back to

your aims and check how you are going.

Did the technique work?Bait take is not a good indicator of the success of a baiting

program. It is better to focus on your outcomes e.g. lamb

marking percentages, active malleefowl mounds.

R e m e m b e r, the focus is on damage, not numbers.

However, monitoring bait take, in particular any drop in bait take, allows you to make

some decisions on how long you need to run your program to be successful.

Do you need to do more?You may need to keep your program going longer than anticipated, due to high fox

numbers or few people participating in the district. Focussing on your aims will help you

decide this. Use the drop off in bait take as an indicator of fox density.

No matter how good your program, eventually foxes will reinvade baited areas. This

may take weeks or months, depending on local circumstances. It is useful to have a

clear idea of how often you want/need to bait to meet your aims. Make your fox control

program part of your normal property management. Mark on your calendar the time to

purchase baits, the time to look for dens etc.

An initial, high intensity fox control program followed by regular, low-level control should

result in reduced fox damage, reduced fox numbers and less work for you in

subsequent years.

Future directions in fox controlWant to know more about future directions in fox control research or require further

reading or advice?

FoxFact 14: Future directions for fox control & further reading

Why read this guide? - PestSmart Connect...3 Spotlight on foxes How to use this guide The where,...

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Transcript of Why read this guide? - PestSmart Connect...3 Spotlight on foxes How to use this guide The where,...